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![]() SO despite the fact that I have a zero chance of winning anything this year due to not making/remembering the deadline, I feel an obligation to show my work in an effort to gain something out of the time it took for me to make it. I made an item, well three items really and chose the one I thought was better. I want to post it here to get a feel about how well I did in the conceptuals, design, and playability. So the three ideas for wondrous items was: 1. a bag of repelling/shielding/protective stones
But the first two kinda played out as either over-powered/abusable or Spell In a Can. Here goes my original not-submitted-or-will-ever-win-this-year item. Garnet Skull
Garnet Skull
Construction
So here's what I am looking for:
THANK YOU ALL FOR READING THIS.
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![]() I like these two saddles. Each one has its own flair for utility, its broad use for all classes (mounted combat classes get the best of them though, IMHO). I will be posting mine once I have tweaked the language a bit. Thank you guys for working on this, it was a lot of fun and it makes me proud to be part of such an eclectic group of gamers! Game on! AM ![]()
![]() Ok so we have three votes for this-- goodwicki wrote:
My biggest issue here is these effects seem like they could be simplified from my perspective. Transfroming into a howling wind does seem cool in theory, but think about debris pelting your cohorts... Also think about a gust of wind from the "wings" of the steed or maybe a lightning stomp area of effect for the already existing steed. There is two parts here to this item that was discussed: 1. the steed already exists as a companion to the item owner
So are we keeping the item with this or scrapping it to make a "summon steed saddle" with effects? I was not sure if we had voted on the two part effects or not. Also I think a pillar effect like a tornado seems cool as well. I know the slot is a non-slot and the aura for me at least appears to conjuration and I would have to say that it appears to be a strong aura from our dialog. AM ![]()
![]() Ok so what we have here for powers is Unlimited flying, wind resistance (I'd vote for two category sizes high makes it almost impossible to move the steed/rider with wind) and it makes sense based on the item. So unlimited flying is the major power and wind resistance I would consider a major power too except that it appears that the benefits and utility are limited in the nature of wind itself. So we can make that one a minor power. So onto stormy stuff which is the last minor (or two powers). A combat related one and maybe another defense related one would be fine from my perspective. Also has anyone agreed that a Griffon Stormsteed sounded cool to use for a visual concept? AM ![]()
![]() Serpent wrote:
*casts illusion at a golden ticket holder* *waves hand in a mindtrick fashion-this one is not a golden ticket holder* Lol AM ![]()
![]() Serpent wrote:
Ok so then we should have two minor powers and one major power. And yes I thought the chaos v. law thing was a bit on the difficulty but it would have made sense in the theory of it, just not superstar perhaps. The major power should be the stormsteed effect and the two minor powers should encompass an already existing steed. Just my opinion as it makes sense to me anyway. AM ![]()
![]() nate lange wrote:
I like these ideas can I get a second vote on each of these? I also thought an arc effect on creatures with evil alignments or law (since storms are a chaotic thing) dealing 1d6 electrical damage. But this is all conceptuals. AM ![]()
![]() OwlbearRepublic wrote: I'm not dead set against a saddle that works both to create a mount and to buff an existing one. I do think that such an approach dilutes the concept. It'll eat word-count, too. Yes it will eat words...hmmm simplifying the language may be helpful too. OwlbearRepublic wrote:
The mechanical hook could be an area lightning storm while the steed is flying vs. evil aligned creatures or something akin to that. Give it something with pinache'. Or perhaps grant the steed lightning breath once a day something like that maybe even electrical damage when it attacks. Perhaps a wall of fog effect, something with a tied in neat visual. Just my take in the use of the storm effects. AM ![]()
![]() Anthony Adam wrote:
Lol. ![]()
![]() Yay! Perhaps in my greatest hopes I may have the opportunity to continue on this quest which by all accounts is an amazing opportunity just for submitting to round one. Round two or more would just ad a pat on the back from my wife for being a gaming nerd and that would be amazing too! And for some reason I am taken back to the the chocolate factory and wanting to return the everlasting gobstopper... AM ![]()
![]() nate lange wrote:
I cannot muster any reasoning why you couldn't have both effects with and without a mount. Such benefits would make it truly wondrous as players horses or other steeds can die, it praises benefits of knowing you would always have a saddle and a steed. nate lange wrote:
Role 1: With a steed the saddle functions as a masterwork military saddle that grants the rider an +10 to all ride skill checks and the steed gains the ability to fly (average) at its normal movement rate for up to five rounds creating a storm cloud as it moves through the air. The rider cannot be knocked from the saddle while mounted on any steed under the saddle. Role 2: If the owner has no steed for the saddle upon uttering the command word that is burned into its outter rim a brilliant white Griffon steed manifests under the saddle. In this role, the saddle grants the rider mounted combat with a +4 bonus and cannot be knocked from the saddle. Ok so who is up for a griffon stormsteed? AM ![]()
![]() artofcheatery wrote:
Cool good info. Thank you A.O.C. Yeah the weight would be a problem for say a wizarding class. But what would it be crafted from could make the difference too. (i.e. design it to be amazingly light-magical properties, etc.) Serpent wrote:
I agree! Anyone else second this for simplification purposes? Also a cool name like Bridle of the Stormsteed *riders on the storm...* AM ![]()
![]() Really_Seamus wrote: Saddles can easily weigh 25 pounds or more. Working and roping saddles in particular can weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Oh wow, never realized. Shows how much I know about saddles..lol. Never rode on horse so the knowledge set is just not there. Ok does anyone have a a reference link for types of saddles so we can work with some real figures? I think all magical items play a role in the real world so I always aim to provide realistic weights/measurements when I do item creation, even if its an estimation of a magically "light" heavy shield, etc. AM ![]()
![]() Ok so I have heard several thumbs up on the saddle and a lot of debate on the functionality of the "chess set" but not true official votes. So I vote to move on the saddle if everyone is ok with that. It does appear to have, of the many ideas (two major ones) to have "superstar" interesting effects. So with that said lets see what we can muster from the saddle based on its utility: Slot -
So I think we can start with this and work into the final product. Next I feel is the specific powers and effects. Remember we are aiming to meet the competition standards so the 300 word count still stands can we get a collaboration on its magical capabilities? This also means there should be a limitation on its powers (think S.M.A.R.T-specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, time-based effects). Yeah its a project management term here, but this is a collaborative project here. Once again I reiterate the awesomeness that is you all for your interest in providing a valuable resource for other users to see creative processes and to drive better results for home-gaming and abroad (item creation). AM ![]()
![]() Really_Seamus wrote: Remember, Myrrendor, that this item isn't actually going to be part of the competition, and I don't believe true collaboration is even permissible in actual entries. Still, holding one's work up to the Superstar standard is definitely admirable, and I think there's great value in working together to improve. I agree and that was the whole point of this collaboration. That said I am sure there have been people holding up their own items to get a second pair of eyes to look at it. That in of itself is a collaboration of sorts albeit very brief. I thought the value was working and showing creative processes that could be SUPERSTAR worthy. And yes the due date is well past the point of no return. So yeah its not in the competition, I know, but wouldn't it be awesome to see the judges comentary on this..provided they have any time to do so. You guys are awesome. And to think twenty-five years ago over-state and country borders collaborations involved phones and other issues... AM ![]()
![]() Ok so here's what we have as good ideas: the stormrider's saddle
This is a good start but what will be Great is the next step.
I vote for the saddle-it's "slotless" and meets several pre-requisites I had mentioned before in what I felt "could be" SUPERSTAR. Naturally this is my first go at the competition, but I think this is a great start. Can I get a vote from you guys on whether this meets how we feel a superstar item should start out in conceptuals? Thank you all for your interest it always amazes me on how awesome us gamers really are. AM ![]()
![]() artofcheatery wrote:
I can agree that some of them smoke and given the fantasy nature I can certainly see pipes having a magical use, however tobacco isn't likely what they'd be smoking; maybe colt's foot for a cough or other herbs for magical dreaming (dream scrying) etc. Either way though it's not a wide spread item because smoking tobacco at least does hurt/kill you eventually. It's a PR thing to not touch on that, so perhaps magical instruments like pan pipes? I am just glad I do not fit into the common themes of items submitted. Cheers folks to those who did something different. ![]()
![]() Ok I like the slotless concept. Maybe since slotless are hard to think about utility wise. @Serpent: the latter is correct, good sir. It is an experiment to see if collaboration would be worth the efforts of submitters in the future (i.e. friends helping out, etc.) So we have these three serious options to vote on what it will be first: - a mask
This isn't strata at this point of course. All these types of items have slots specifically, and I am ok with slotted items. Personally it gives you an idea where the character(s) will wear/hold said item and can add to the flavor in the descriptions of such player characters. Ultimate utility for all races/classes is the most ideal item in my opinion. That's the way I went with my item when I designed it. All joking aside lets make a real item here folks.
Some mundane item examples:
Pick one mundane item from this list above. Post your vote please. AM ![]()
![]() Clark Peterson wrote:
Your resume includes demon lord, so it's not all that bad is it? Lol. ![]()
![]() ArchMageMyrrendor wrote: Thought this might be fun to do to kill two weeks. I do not want to rock the boat with the competition per se. Judges is this cool? If not delete this thread... I will add that I will also illustrate said item with color and provide a deviantart link when it is completed. Perhaps this will add some interest? ![]()
![]() Neil Spicer wrote:
Fantastic! Thank you for that thorough explanation. A Top Notch Effort to all of you. As GM I grant you 450xp per wondrous item reviewed, unfortunately you will have to do that math yourself to see if you gained a level of experience! AM ![]()
![]() Anthony Adam wrote:
Ah. I see. I always wonder how this worked out. I thought it might be something like that. Such a daunting task either way you look at it. Thanks for the insight.AM ![]()
![]() Clark Peterson wrote:
Ok so I pondered this. If you guys are finished (basically) with all the reviews then can I ask another question? Why the two week delay to "show" who won the top 32 spots? Is there more to this process than reject and pass that I/We am/are not specifically aware of? Is it a round-table this item V. that item for the top spots? Just curious is all. AM ![]()
![]() nate lange wrote:
There will likely be a critque my item thread to come so hang on two weeks..=) ![]()
![]() Elton wrote:
Yahoo had it in its news reel about revamping it with a "Paizo-esk" community-involved support system. Kinda funny that NOW Hasbro sees this as a good thing. Took a while maybe it will be better than the last iteration. ![]()
![]() Sean K Reynolds wrote:
I await patiently, which by my standards is somewhat rough at times. So that said I have only briefly touched on an organization, mostly keeping positive and unwaiveringly hopeful I have a reason to work it into a full deal. Here's to being in the 32 and to all of you whom submitted. ![]()
![]() Ok I place two cards down from the deck of many things and ask the judges to pick the one which will provide the information on the volume of entries. The judges unanimously pick the card on the right and it is the vizier card. Who said I had high hopes? Lol. Cheers to you all gentlemen for pouring through AT LEAST 1000. *its in my gut to say thats a safe number to estimate, but likely more; the crystal ball I have is blurry on this*...hmm. ![]()
![]() Anthony Adam wrote: I aimed for a wider audience of wondrous item myself. I didnt want to tie it down to a one or few classes/themes, I wanted it to be more utility item like and something every pc would want - much more fun for the "I want it" moments in treasure divvy up. My sentiments exactly. I just hope we were right..lol. ![]()
![]() I decided that from a design perspective I did have mistakes, and I feel that I only needed one good one really. So for me it was about making something almost common, but unique in of itself by design and blending in as something mundane to be wondrous. Afterall, "wondrous items" the phrase, from my perspective at least; means "causing or creating a completely unexpected magical effect" from a simple mundane object or item. Wondrous (adj.) wonderful, remarkable.
Perhaps my perspective was too deeply rooted in the definition of such things, but I felt my item met the definition as it stood literally. Maybe that's just the inner gamer in retention-mode..eh. Though I can see pipes and the like definately meeting that standard.
AM ![]()
![]() Record number...ugh. So here's my take on this. And its been said before. Revealing the numbers would detract from its popularity. Take American Idol for example, tens of thousands vye for the spot to make a good enough impact to make it to just the show, then its a serious brutality of judging (no offense here Clark, Sean, etc.) AND in public scrutiny. So record numbers doesn't phase me that much so long as my quality it there, I will be happy just submitting, but anything further than that would be awesome-sauce! ![]()
![]() I'd like to add to this too. First off, the user agreement for even being able to post on these boards basically outlines Paizo "owns" the contents within it. So the fact you posted an item for a contest pretty much is a moot point. Hell take it, it makes me smile to see that I even posted one for the contest and, I am published artist over at Rite Publishing. I smile everytime I see my art shine in a map or an item. BIG WHOOP. If you want to keep it, do so. But posting here, item or not "becomes" ownership of Paizo. It's kinda like a digital "trash can" paizo owns the can and anything that gets put into it. Just the way it is. So here's some ideas to use: a grappling hook with a magical invisible rope
To stress my point. Paizo may "own" your submission, but nothing in this world can stop you from using the item you created in a homebrew world or in golarion abroad. So why worry, do you think Paizo will hunt you down with demon lords and persecute you for using it at home..I think not. Cheers
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![]() Tryn wrote: 200 words max is clearly stated in the rules, "no fluff" isn't ;) Mine was just below that 200 mark, so I think I met the short-length dealing little to no "fluff" mostly descriptors, which I think qualifies as "beefy-crunchy taco supreme" or whatever. Either way you look at it though the length clearly defines the complexity of your item, based on explaining its function to eliminate "grey..erm gray" areas for play functionality. As has been said before, too much fluff in the "story" of the item draws away from its utility and imaginative uses for DMs and Players alike. It's just not needed really. Though I will say I originally had fluff and a very small backstory on the original item I submitted, I eliminated it from the name and the backstory altogether when I thought about it/read this thread. Names and the likeness of characters/people don't really roll well with wondrous items, look at most of the cannon ones. Notta. ![]()
![]() I think I had a similar situation with my item, except the inspiration was on utility and NOT from any other source. It wasn't until i passed it to a friend to review it with that he mentioned a copyright situation. However it has no direct link to it aside from it utilitarian nature and was intended to be just that with far uses for all classes. I am confident though that i measured the distance far enough that it shouldn't pose a problem for an auto-reject, but you never know about these things. AMQ ![]()
![]() Clark Peterson wrote: I've seen Triumph in concert. I was at "heavy metal day" at the US Festival. They were awesome. One of the few bands I've ever seen that actually sounds like the record when they play live. Rik Emmett is so talented. And you are right, that whole album rocks! I will have to look this up, personally i will be going to see Rammstein in April here in Florida, so heavy metal and hard rock is in my alley way, so to speak. So Clark, do you like Rammstein or have you heard of them? Also, I know its too late to change anything on submissions that have been submitted, but I KNOW I would definately add a hard rock band emblem on my item some where...so long as it wouldn't be too "modern" to get it kicked. Maybe a bonus to concentration checks...since it would provide music through the emblems enchantment..I clean at home well with music on.. ![]()
![]() Caelesti wrote:
Awesome thank you for the help...I always wondered if there was some methodology behind how the information flowed in the descriptors. It's all too easy to read a hundred of them and never see the semblance of that form. Clearly there may also be exceptions to this format-style, but I think you hit the head on perfectly. Thank you again. AMQ
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